Its hard to believe but it’s here!  Christmas!  Our Christmas Eve services are in a few short hours at 6 PM at the AMC 24 in Hamilton.  Amidst everything that is happening around me as I write this, it would be quite easy to actually miss what Christmas is all about.  How is that possible?  Easy, one word:  DISTRACTIONS.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

24 days of December have passed us by quickly, but there is still time to capture the heart of Christmas.  Maybe you have been working long hours, maybe you have been intentionally avoiding it, maybe you feel alone and would rather it just pass you by.  Let me encourage you… DON’T – MISS – CHRISTMAS!

4 Things You MUST Do This Christmas…

1. Anticipation  –  I remember being a little boy hardly being able to sleep in my bed.  But now, it’s deeper than a Tonka truck.  It’s that I know Jesus is with me.  God is with me.  I can sense him in the deepest parts of my heart and I am anticipating not only celebrating the day, but the day that I meet him FACE TO FACE.  It won’t be long now, the time is drawing closer.  Can you sense it?

2. Reflection  –  Look at everything God has done for you this year.  Contemplate the God of heaven leaving and coming to earth born of a virgin, living a sinless life, crucified, forgiving your sins, resurrected and now sitting at the right hand of God.  But wait, He can live in you and gives you the power of the Holy Spirit.  It’s worth sitting down and reading through Luke 1 and 2.  Reflect on His story and His faithfulness.

3. Community  –  Look around at the people in your neighborhood, at your workplace, in your circle of influence.  Sense that you are in this life together with them.  Thank them, love them, appreciate them.  Do something on Christmas Eve to show them you care.  You don’t have to be weird but a heartfelt expression of love and sincerity in this world is becoming more rare.  Just do it. It’s not too late.  It’s never too late to love. (sounds like a mushy 80’s song)

4. Family  – I know, its been a rough year in your family.  If it has been, pick up the phone, tell them you love them, leave a message if they don’t answer.  Ask for forgiveness, tell them you want to start over.  Don’t blame, don’t make excuses.  Hug your wife or your husband, play with those little kids, (they are growing fast) Call your grandma and grandpa if you still have them.  If you feel all alone, YOU ARE ADOPTED. You understand Jesus better than anyone.  Jesus had an adopted father.  Love where God has you.

Breathe deeply, pray continually, love unconditionally

Merry Christmas

Josh

217church is a multi-site church in Mercer County NJ with small groups for families in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater.  Our new East Windsor Campus is meeting Sunday January 12th, 2014  10:15 am at Ethel McKnight School.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services in Hamilton at 9:30 or 11 am! Visit www.217church.com.  If you want to be in on the ground floor of a new exciting church planting environment, contact our East Windsor Campus Pastor Dan Gay at Dan@217church.com.